 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi Guys, new to this forum so hi from London.....Decided to book a 10 day trip to Whistler over Easter till the &th April and have to book some accommodation,ski rental(have boots), transfers and ski passes.......... have learnt that basically anything in the Village is obviously closer to lifts and also more expensive!!!! given the choice, whats better,The Hilton or the out of town Blackcomb Spring Suites? Is it walkable or too far, Does being central in the Hilton add to the holiday experience or is it crazy busy? Any info would be greatly appreciated as I need to get on and book soon, any other tips would be great too regarding passes,transfers and ski hire....Many thanks again.
Steve
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Hi Steve
Blackcomb Spring Suites are close to lifts, just the Blackcomb mountain ones rather than Whistler. I slightly prefer the skiing on Blackcomb but it doesn't matter which you start on since they're now connected with the Peak 2 Peak gondola. Been a while since I was there but Blackcomb lifts were slightly less busy than Whistler Village. Not really a factor though I don't think.
Initially I'd have said pick BSS since it's a short walk from Blackcomb to Whistler Village...but looking closer BSS are up the slope/road a bit which adds another 15/20 minute walking from say, Merlin's. Can just walk up/down the piste to save some time mind.
Whistler Village is where the action is in terms of shops, bars, restaurants and clubs so if you're going to be making the most of those choose there (based on the longish walk from BSS). If you're going to be fully catered and not bothered about more choice of apres and clubbing...and if the BSS is a step up from Hilton (IYO) I'd probably pick BSS.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Did a long TR (see "W-B" in my sig) from 2022 on Whistler from the perspective of UK-based otherwise European-focussed skiers without real budget constraints. If you can swing it, would stay in the Village, where most of the restaurants (some very good, which you'll appreciate since on-mountain eating is unspeakably dire) and shops are and gives better optionality on the day for where to go (ie up Blackcomb via Excalibur (often the better choice) or up Whistler via Fitzsimmons or Village). As to Hilton/Blackcomb Spring Suites, I'd advise going more central.
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If Blackcomb spring suites is on the bus
Route, the bus is pretty good otherwise go for Hilton. It does add to the experience being walkable to Whistler village.
Spicy sports is a good rental shop and they have stores at the base of both mountains.
I’d try to book a lunch at steep’s (BC) or Christine’s (whistler) at least a couple of days if on mountain sit down is your thing. Both are good but get super busy.
Leaving this late you are likely to get stung on ski passes. If you book an instructor/guide, or lessons, you can get a cheaper ski pass for that day. Maybe not of interest but thought I’d mention. With an instructor you can also skip the lift lines which can be crazy if snow is good. Lift queue is pretty strict, no shuffling forward like we are used to here!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Many thanks shorthorns for the reply, I think my main concern was whether staying at the more remote BSS and having to walk/shuttle in to the central village every time we go out for food or drinks will spoil the holiday? Obviously staying in the Village at the Hilton will be better for this but more expensive and more busy but do you think as its our first time its a better location to enjoy the trip?
Steve
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Again, many thanks to Dyrlac and abricotine, very helpful from you both...Think the vibe is to stay central if poss, especially as its our first visit to Whistler. Understand regarding lift passes, normally go Breckenridge and get an early epic pass, but as last minute trip have no choice.....
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I stayed about mid way between the BSS and Blackcomb. That was fine, and well located as we were easily on the bus and easy to walk (there is a walk or ski path down to BC alongside the Fairmont) but I do feel BSS is a bit further out from the map. I’d go for somewhere a bit closer personally.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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The buses do sometimes get full if there’s good snow and that walk looks a long old way with skis
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If it was (closer to) bottom of Blackcomb vs Whistler Village, and the Blackcomb accom was better in terms of quality and value, then it would be a close decision. But BSS is up the hill and you mention you're going out for food & drinks so yeah, I'd go the Village.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Thank you everyone, really appreciate the help and if anyone thinks of any other good tips please let me know regarding passes, ski rental and transfers for Vancouver.....cheers again 
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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I would stay in village at hilton. Good location. I stayed in a apartment across from fairmount and was always trekking into the village (which was a pleasant walk), just felt out of it. All other times stayed in crystal lodge which I have been v happy with.
There's a cracking wee bakery, hot buns beside the pod hostel amazing cinnamon buns...
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You know it makes sense.
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I probably wouldn't drop the cash involved at this stage to ski Whistler at Easter. Likely better snow quality in the Banff resorts and far better deals on accommodation and passes. Unless I simply had to drop a load of mandy and gurn my tits off all night in the Savage Beagle or Tommy's ( or whatever they are called now - showing my age).
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Let’s get one thing out of the way. The majority of off-slope activities happens in Whistler village.
Moreover, if any in the group needs lesson, go on a guided ski, those also meets at Whistler.
So, if money isn’t too tight (once you figure out the lift pass, it may suddenly become tight  ), Whistler no question.
That said, there’s some saving grace for Blackcomb Spring. For one, it’s ski-in/ski-out (or close to it). Whilst in Whistler, you have to clamp around in your ski boots through the village!
I had stayed both in Whistler village and in Blackcomb village (different suite) in previous trips. I enjoyed my stay at Whistler village on my first trip. But on all my subsequent trips, I stayed on the Blackcomb side.
There’re a few apres spots on the Blackcomb side. Our group typically would finish skiing at the bottom of Blackcomb, which has a few isolated apres spots, have a drink and a few small bites. Then take the short lift back up to ski to our lodging.
Dinner is typically done after shower and a nap. Then we all dress up and take the bus to Whistler, have food, walk around the shops, then take the bus back.
I’ve only ever gone there early season, when it gets dark shortly after the lift closes. So didn’t relish even the short walk from Blackcomb to Whistler in the dark (and cold). As such, I used the buses exclusively. At Easter, it’ll be light out a lot later, the walk between Blackcomb and Whistler would be a lot more appealing.
Last edited by Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name: on Tue 5-03-24 18:42; edited 1 time in total
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Poster: A snowHead
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Most people just use the bus. I've no issue with it, have stayed in both locations depending on how stuff works out. My buddy has a free underground parking space up the Blackcomb side, and that's certainly my preferred way into the system. Fewer people and less bustle than the Whistler base. Yesterday I rode down from there to the base just before nine and walked straight up to the ticket person without any line-up (the tourists were lining up a bit outside, go inside...). It's just busier than that at Whistler base.
I you don't have earplugs and want a quiet night's sleep, then Blackcomb may be a better bet. April is a bit "late", but there should still be lots of snow and this year in particular the season kind of came late; the off piste is still a bit low tide but more snow coming this weekend. Conditions are as good as it gets generally though, 15cm of fresh kicking around everywhere yesterday.
Obviously other places exist, and if you can afford to wait and see who has the best conditions in April... you can get those conditions. But if that's not possible, then Whistler is as good a bet as anywhere. Conditions are currently excellent - but if you look back in these pages a couple of weeks ago people were thinking of cancelling... that would have been a mistake. My approach is not to worry about any of that nonsense - I go where I want, and ride what there is. It works great and is stress free.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I would also consider Banff for April, but your call.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Again many thanks for all input!!! We had to decide on Whistler mainly due to our flight choices, was originally going to go Lake Louise but London to Calgary economy flights are quite expensive for some reason and a club British Airways redemption was cheaper to Vancouver!! Hence or decision
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For a first time experience stay in Whistler village. Look at the delta suites which are just a step back from the bustle but close enough for easy access. If I remember rightly it's near the hilron. Crystal lodge is in the heart as another alternative. Delta suites is self catered only but the big supermarket is just around the corner which has everything you need. Make your own brekkie and eat out every night as the food is great. You can also make a packed lunch if you get tired of the mountain food. For me the mountain food is pretty good in most places. You can also get a discount with the epic local pass. Powder mountain if your up for Catski which is in the village. Bss is too remote imv. Have a great trip.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Again really appreciate the help, was just comparing the Westin v the Hilton but will take a look at the Delta Suites,
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| TheHoeMan wrote: |
| Again many thanks for all input!!! We had to decide on Whistler mainly due to our flight choices, was originally going to go Lake Louise but London to Calgary economy flights are quite expensive for some reason and a club British Airways redemption was cheaper to Vancouver!! Hence or decision |
Lol, I once saved money by flying Calgary-Vancouver-London (I think actually the direct flights were full).
Very jealous. Have a great time!
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@TheHoeMan, the Westin is very nice and very well located but will not be a budget option
My top tip is that if you want to eat at a normal time at one of the smarter restaurants, it's worth booking well in advance (ie before you leave the UK)
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Cheers Orange200, just need to decide on the accomodation, probably over thinking it a bit but don't want to get it wrong.......
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| phil_w wrote: |
| I you don't have earplugs and want a quiet night's sleep, then Blackcomb may be a better bet. |
This is good advice. I guarantee you'll get the 2am "wake-up call" in Whistler Village!
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Here you go, a shot from "the chimney" this afternoon at around 14:00:
As you can see, it's pretty quiet. No queues, straight on to each and every lift all day,. The pistes and obvious stuff has all been ridden, but there are fresh tracks to get if you look. Blue sky and sunshine but cold enough so the snow only warmed slightly through the day. Ridable all the way down at Mach 2 for those with the technique and legs. Speed cops where you need them to protect against numpties. A walk-up buddy ticket cost me $187, for 08:15 through 16:15 or so./ One coffee stop when everyone else was somewhere else - no line up for that either. The next snow is supposed to arrive over the weekend, so likely it'll be busy then if you like crowds.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Scooter in Seattle wrote: |
| phil_w wrote: |
| I you don't have earplugs and want a quiet night's sleep, then Blackcomb may be a better bet. |
This is good advice. I guarantee you'll get the 2am "wake-up call" in Whistler Village! |
Stayed at the Hilton quite a few times. I found its far enough back that no noticeable village noise. Very handy to have ski storage at summit as its about as close as you can get to the lifts.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Booked the Hilton finally, so that part is sorted!!! Seeing that photo of Whistler has really made me happy as wasn’t sure how conditions were!!! Would you expect them to stay good enough till 28 th March ? Cheers again to everyone
Steve
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You know it makes sense.
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Also, how busy do you expect it to get between 28 th March and April 7th ? Pretty sure there is a spring break in there but will it quiet down after Easter weekend? Can’t control anything but just trying to manage expectations 
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@TheHoeMan,
Last week of spring break here is the one that ends with Easter weekend, so probably busier up until then.
Normally much quiter after that, but been a strange season (only really started last week!) so might be quite a few people with edge card days to use up, or just needing to get some ski days in.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Stayed at Spring Suites last Jan/Feb and thought it was very well placed - The Aspens which is a bit down the piste is better placed though as it's not as much of a walk up the hill in the evening. We stayed in the village during Xmas this year and whilst more convenient for eating out, we still needed a shuttle bus. When we were there the snow was terrible and the Spring Suites were definitely not ski in ski out. Thankfully though the snow is now excellent (my daughter out there since Nov 2033,).
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@TheHoeMan, We have stayed in the Summit Lodge, towards teh end of teh village, they have a good shuttle bus service and you can walk to any restaurants and bars in teh Village, we have also stayed at the Crystal easy walk to the lifts and you are in the centre of the village if you stay there avoid rooms overlooking the village stroll or with connecting doors. The staff at both were really good the rooms were pretty good as well.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Cheers to everyone, just to update that we decided on the Hilton, mainly due to it being our first visit so thought better to be central and see everything up close
Steve
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| stuarth wrote: |
@TheHoeMan,
Last week of spring break here is the one that ends with Easter weekend, so probably busier up until then.
Normally much quiter after that, but been a strange season (only really started last week!) so might be quite a few people with edge card days to use up, or just needing to get some ski days in. |
Might be moderately busy even after Easter weekend - Seattle private schools are out Easter week (my assumption, given Seattle friends w/ kids in private/Catholic school seem to always come up for a week starting on Easter Sunday). Then the week after, it's Seattle public schools spring break.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Take an umbrella
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You might want to get on the email list for https://powderpoobah.com/ He is all about the snow in the North West. I would also recommend a visit to https://www.scandinave.com/whistler the best spa outside of Vabali in Berlin. And I would also recommend spending a few nights in Vancouver, at the end of your holiday, if you have the time. It's a wonderful city for a short visit.
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| Gainz wrote: |
| For a first time experience stay in Whistler village. Look at the delta suites which are just a step back from the bustle but close enough for easy access. If I remember rightly it's near the hilron. Crystal lodge is in the heart as another alternative. Delta suites is self catered only but the big supermarket is just around the corner which has everything you need. Make your own brekkie and eat out every night as the food is great. You can also make a packed lunch if you get tired of the mountain food. For me the mountain food is pretty good in most places. You can also get a discount with the epic local pass. Powder mountain if your up for Catski which is in the village. Bss is too remote imv. Have a great trip. |
Second this! We stayed in the Delta there this time last year. Found it fine location wise! They have a minibus/shuttle that does a continuous loop, it's busy to catch first lift but quietens down quite quickly after. Still walkable to the lifts too even in ski boots - im lazy but we were with snowboarders who hike up runs for fun  so often had to walk instead of wait, but was fine. Nice and quiet too at night. bar opposite that does happy hour drinks. Spa was always busy, but nice. Our 2-person apartment was huge! 2 rooms, bathroom, kitchen, balcony.
It may have changed, i think i saw something mentioned about them upgrading it, but the Fitzsimmons chair lift in between the Blackcombe and Whistler gondolas was always so much quicker when there's a queue! I think most people dont like the change halfway. Didn't bother us at all, not when you're used to Europe.
You'll love not being pushed around in the queues - it's very civilised. You wait patiently in turn; you fill every seat and there's single rider lines. I found everyone talked to me too - there was no quiet lift. Especially when they found out I was British. Be warned though, many people dont put the bar down on lifts, freaked me right out! It's a real trend there - and some people laughed at me for asking. (not the experience others have had though, so I was possibly unlucky). Mountain safety are a bit strange! I watched them chasing a guy down the mountain and telling him off for riding switch. They'll tell you off if they think you're too fast in certain areas, (I thought there were signs that said you lose your lift pass, but was wrong) but they don't say a word to the people not putting the bar down  Also... there's not many lifts, so be prepared to queue ... everywhere! but it's a great excuse to chat and catch up.
If it's been snowing for your first day, then head to Symphony & Harmony, it's lovely and gentle and a great way to get your legs used to the powder.
I agree with the mountain food in the ski lodges I loved it! it wasn't ridiculously expensive compared to anywhere else and much better than some ive found in the European resorts. But if you dont fancy eating out every day, you can take a sarnie and eat them in the queue
Have fun! Jealous! it was awesome! They've had loads of snow the last few days, hopefully it carries on for you!
EDIT: Just read the rest of the replies and saw you booked the Hilton - Enjoy!! but thought i'd leave this up anyway in case anyone else is wondering about the Delta.
Last edited by After all it is free  on Sat 9-03-24 13:11; edited 3 times in total
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@rhythmpig,
Bit of a fact check on that...
- Ski patrol don't chase anyone down unless perhaps you ski a permanent closure, or do something particularly bad.
Mountain safety on the other hand might stop you or pull you over if you ski past them fast/recklessly.
- I have literally skied hundreds/thousands of days at Whistler and have never been on a chair where people wouldn't put the bar down. If you go on a chair with my son and his buddies they will try and "be cool" and not put the bar down, but if you ask to put it down they will.
- People talk to people on chairlifts here. Sometimes they don't. Being British makes no difference.
- You can eat sandwiches in the lodge too. No-one cares. Food in the lodge is crazy expensive and fairly average imho.
- fitzimmons is now an 8 seater. This is mostly a benefit for the summer
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| Quote: |
Ski patrol don't chase anyone down unless perhaps you ski a permanent closure, or do something particularly bad.
Mountain safety on the other hand might stop you or pull you over if you ski past them fast/recklessly.
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Yep. And mountain safety only care in the "slow areas" or whatever they are called. Basically the beginner areas and home run busy spots where nobody should be skiing recklessly anyway. The rest of the mountain you can pretty much do what you want.
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I have literally skied hundreds/thousands of days at Whistler and have never been on a chair where people wouldn't put the bar down.
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Not quite as many days, although have done over 100. Same experience, nobody has ever refused to put the bar down. Just be courteous and give the others a "bar down" before you pull it else they may not be expecting it and nobody wants to get whacked in the back of the head.
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